News for 'Varanasi'

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Varanasi court to hear Hindu plea to worship Gyanvapi Shivling on Dec 2

Varanasi court to hear Hindu plea to worship Gyanvapi Shivling on Dec 2

Rediff.com17 Nov 2022

A Varanasi court on Thursday rejected the Gyanvapi masjid committee's objection to a petition seeking the right to worship a 'Shivling' claimed to have been found in the mosque complex, and fixed December 2 for hearing the case.

Maha Kumbh: Bookings, airfares rise for Prayagraj flights

Maha Kumbh: Bookings, airfares rise for Prayagraj flights

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Bookings as well as airfares for flights to Prayagraj have jumped multi-fold as more people travel for the Maha Kumbh, with the air ticket prices rising up to 21 per cent for the Delhi-Prayagraj flights. According to an analysis by travel portal ixigo, the one-way airfare between Bhopal and Prayagraj has surged the maximum at 498 per cent to Rs 17,796 from Rs 2,977 last year.

Modi inaugurates Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi

Modi inaugurates Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, a project which is spread over five lakh square feet and connects the temple premises to the River Ganga besides providing several facilities to devotees.

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Visiting Varanasi for Dev Deepavali should be on your bucket list.

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Indian origin Hindus living in Europe and US are mulling opening overseas chapters of Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' in their countries. On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, the idea of opening a Ram Naam Bank was discussed among the devotees in Sweden.

Varanasi authorities roll back Namo Ghat entry fee after social media outcry

Varanasi authorities roll back Namo Ghat entry fee after social media outcry

Rediff.com3 Aug 2022

The decision was taken back on Wednesday after directions from higher officials, Varanasi Samart City project PRO Shakhambhari Nandan said.

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

SC to hear 1991 Places of Worship Act plea on Tuesday

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

The law prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

'Being PM's constituency, Varanasi is getting some privilege'

'Being PM's constituency, Varanasi is getting some privilege'

Rediff.com6 May 2021

'The situation has improved because oxygen tankers are now coming.' 'Before this it was chaotic.'

Cancel your trip: Varanasi to tourists amid Covid surge

Cancel your trip: Varanasi to tourists amid Covid surge

Rediff.com15 Apr 2021

The temple city has seen a steep rise of 1,266 per cent in Covid cases over the past two weeks.

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

3-judge SC bench to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Thursday

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a batch of petitions challenging the validity of certain provisions of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits lawsuits to reclaim a place of worship or change its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947. The pleas, including one filed by Ashwini Upadhyay, argue that these provisions violate the right to judicial remedy and create an arbitrary cut-off date. The matter will be heard in the backdrop of several ongoing cases related to places of worship, including the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah Mosque in Mathura. The Muslim side has cited the 1991 law to argue that such suits are not maintainable. The Supreme Court had previously sought the Centre's response to Upadhyay's petition, which alleged that the law creates an "arbitrary and irrational retrospective cut-off date" for maintaining the character of places of worship.

Vengsarkar makes no predictions for Ind-Pak match

Vengsarkar makes no predictions for Ind-Pak match

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

'India are strong favourites'

UP polls: All eyes on Varanasi in final phase as Modi leads blitzkrieg

UP polls: All eyes on Varanasi in final phase as Modi leads blitzkrieg

Rediff.com3 Mar 2022

Voting for the seventh and final round will be held on March 7 for Varanasi and its eight adjoining districts.

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

As Election Nears, Patna Gets Metro Boost

Rediff.com29 May 2025

The metro, it seems, is politics-proof -- even if it comes at a high cost.

'Aurangzeb also ordered protection of Varanasi temples'

'Aurangzeb also ordered protection of Varanasi temples'

Rediff.com13 Sep 2022

'Aurangzeb supported construction of the Kumarswamy math and the reconstruction of the Kedar temple and supported the Jangambadi math in Banaras.'

Varanasi court puts off verdict in Gyanvapi 'Shivling' case to Nov 17

Varanasi court puts off verdict in Gyanvapi 'Shivling' case to Nov 17

Rediff.com14 Nov 2022

A fast-track court on Monday postponed till November 17 its judgment on a plea seeking permission to allow the worship of a 'Shivling' claimed to have been found inside the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

Hindu outfit chief detained for removal of Sai Baba statues from temples

Hindu outfit chief detained for removal of Sai Baba statues from temples

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

Ajay Sharma, the chief of Sanatan Rakshak Dal, had on Wednesday said they have removed Sai Baba's idol from 14 temples so far, including the idol of Sai Baba at the Bada Ganesh temple in Lohatia.

Wazukhana's ASI survey not permissible due to...: Gyanvapi to HC

Wazukhana's ASI survey not permissible due to...: Gyanvapi to HC

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

The Anjuman Intezamia Committee Thursday filed a counter-affidavit before the Allahabad HC in the matter seeking a survey of the Wazukhana (or ablution area) by the ASI.

Dubai link to golden beige jacket Abe wore in Varanasi

Dubai link to golden beige jacket Abe wore in Varanasi

Rediff.com8 Jul 2022

A UAE-based Indian entrepreneur on Friday recollected how former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe appreciated and acknowledged his gift -- a golden beige jacket -- by wearing it during his 2015 historic visit to Varanasi.

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rash of suits over shrines after SC's 2023 Gyanvapi order

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court's 2023 order refusing to stay a scientific survey at the Gyanvapi Mosque complex has sparked claims over several other disputed places of worship across India. This has led to several court cases, including one in Mathura where a survey of the Shahi Idgah Mosque complex was ordered, and another in Ajmer where a claim was made that a Shiva temple existed within the dargah of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. The article also highlights a dispute over the Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh, which Hindus consider a temple and Muslims consider a mosque. The Supreme Court's order has reignited debates about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the change of character of religious places as they existed on August 15, 1947.

Rakul-Bhumi's WOW Style Game

Rakul-Bhumi's WOW Style Game

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Bhumi Pednekar and Rakul Singh are currently busy promoting their rom-com Mere Husband Ki Biwi, co-starring Arjun Kapoor.

Raghu And Smitha's Maha Kumbh Adventure

Raghu And Smitha's Maha Kumbh Adventure

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

Singapore-based Smitha and Raghavendra Ramachandra made a spontaneous decision to attend the Maha Kumbh. They did not expect what followed.

Varanasi to London: Tiranga Pix

Varanasi to London: Tiranga Pix

Rediff.com15 Aug 2022

Readers tell us how they are celebrating the

Varanasi court rules Places of Worship Act doesn't apply to Gyanvapi

Varanasi court rules Places of Worship Act doesn't apply to Gyanvapi

Rediff.com12 Sep 2022

District Judge A K Vishvesh ordered that it would continue to hear the petition seeking the right to worship in the temple.

Special EC officers to oversee counting in Varanasi, Meerut

Special EC officers to oversee counting in Varanasi, Meerut

Rediff.com9 Mar 2022

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi has been sent as a special officer to oversee the counting process in Meerut and Bihar's CEO to Varanasi.

BJP makes clean sweep in Varanasi, Gorakhpur; SP wins all seats in Azamgarh

BJP makes clean sweep in Varanasi, Gorakhpur; SP wins all seats in Azamgarh

Rediff.com11 Mar 2022

The BJP and its allies won all assembly seats in Modi's Varanasi and Adityanath's Gorakhpur, and the SP bagged all 10 segments in Yadav's Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency.

Will Priyanka contest from Varanasi?

Will Priyanka contest from Varanasi?

Rediff.com29 Mar 2019

Will 'Bhaiyyaji', as Priyanka is called in UP, contest against Modi?

Modi holds meet with CMs of BJP-ruled states in Varanasi

Modi holds meet with CMs of BJP-ruled states in Varanasi

Rediff.com14 Dec 2021

Modi is on a two-day visit to his constituency, which began on Monday with the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Swami Shivanand Saraswati, known as the world's 'oldest saint', claims to be 129 years old and has been attending the Kumbh Mela for 100 years.

Alert issued on Indo-Nepal border after ISIS man arrested in Varanasi

Alert issued on Indo-Nepal border after ISIS man arrested in Varanasi

Rediff.com21 Oct 2022

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Assistant Commandant Lalit Mohan Doval said on Friday that the alert had been sounded on the Sonauli border in the district.

Students stage protest demanding removal of mosque from UP college

Students stage protest demanding removal of mosque from UP college

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Students at Udai Pratap College in Varanasi, India, protested demanding the removal of a mosque located on the campus. The protest came after tensions arose when a section of students recited Hanuman Chalisa near the mosque while prayers were being offered. The college administration has denied claims by the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board that the mosque and surrounding land are Waqf property, stating that the mosque was built illegally. The college administration has also accused the mosque of stealing electricity.

BJP MLA falls on rail tracks while flagging off Vande Bharat train

BJP MLA falls on rail tracks while flagging off Vande Bharat train

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

The train was stopped in time by bystanders, preventing a major accident. Bhadauriya was quickly rescued from the tracks by the police and taken to the hospital, according to eyewitnesses.

Gyanvapi case: SC to wait for Varanasi judge's order before hearing

Gyanvapi case: SC to wait for Varanasi judge's order before hearing

Rediff.com21 Jul 2022

A bench of Justices D Y Chandrachud, Surya Kant, and P S Narasimha said that it is posting for October first week hearing on the appeal of Gyanvapi mosque committee's plea against the Allahabad high court order upholding the appointment of court commissioner to survey the site.

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

CCTV cameras turned off to hide Delhi stampede? Vaishnaw says...

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday said a fair enquiry is being conducted regarding the stampede which took place at New Delhi railway station last month and said the government is implementing a slew of measures to avoid such incidents in the future.

Modi winds up Varanasi visit with watching Ganga aarti from cruise

Modi winds up Varanasi visit with watching Ganga aarti from cruise

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnessed the spectacular Ganga 'aarti' in Varanasi on Monday evening while on board a river cruise with chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh and other Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states.

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Private Hospitals to Add 34,000 Beds by FY29

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

Leading chains plan Rs 40K crore infra revival to close capacity gap over next 3-5 years

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Congress was soft on terror for vote bank: BJP on Tahawwur Rana

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The BJP has lauded the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, as a testament to "New India's" zero-tolerance stance against terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Congress has countered the claim, stating that the extradition was the result of diplomatic efforts initiated during the UPA government's tenure. The BJP highlighted Rana's return as a tribute to security personnel who lost their lives fighting Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and a step towards justice for victims of the attack. The Congress, however, asserted that the Modi government did not initiate the extradition process but benefited from the UPA's groundwork. The exchange of accusations has added a political dimension to Rana's extradition, with both parties vying for credit for the development.

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Brrrr... It's Freezing In North India

Rediff.com6 Jan 2025

Residents of North India battle freezing conditions.

Modi in Varanasi to inaugurate Rs 339-cr mega temple project

Modi in Varanasi to inaugurate Rs 339-cr mega temple project

Rediff.com13 Dec 2021

Taking to Twitter, Modi said that the Kashi Vishwanath Dham project will add to Kashi's spiritual vibrancy.

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

How Bollywood Celebrated Mahashivratri

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Film folk celebrated Mahashivratri on Wednesday by visiting temples and performing pooja, and posting pictures online.